In a statement released to address the “Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015” made by Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Congressman Andy Barr on July 16, 2015, the National HBPA voices strong opposition to this proposed bill. The National HBPA represents the largest group of horsemen within North America among its 30 affiliates. Each of the horsemen’s groups are strong supporters of national uniformity in medication policies, and we all are aware of the significant progress made toward adopting uniformity. In the last year and a half alone our industry has seen an increase in racing states adoption of Controlled Therapeutic Substances utilization to include 70% of the nation’s pari-mutuel handle. However, we are opposed to any form of legislation that interferes with the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 (IHA). We plan to review and analyze the bill in order to understand the bill in its entirety. At that time we will be prepared to issue further statements to ensure we stand for, and protect, the rights empowered to all horsemen by the IHA.
